Home
/
Gaming news
/
Hardware updates
/

Understanding computer memory: how to free it up

Confusion Sparks Over Memory Usage Warnings | Users Seek Clarity on RAM Issues

By

Samira Hossain

Jul 18, 2025, 04:00 PM

Edited By

Omar El-Sayed

2 minutes of duration

A person cleaning up a computer screen with memory usage displayed, showing reduced memory usage for better performance.

A flurry of inquiries emerged after a warning about memory usage confounded many people. The message advised users to free up space in their systemโ€™s memory, with some questioning exactly how to resolve the issue amidst a myriad of running applications.

Context of the Warning

The warning states: "To improve performance it is recommended to free up at least" which left some people puzzled. With ample storage space available, many are left wondering if they need to address their RAM (Random Access Memory) usage instead.

User Insights on Memory Management

Here are some significant insights shared by people in forums based on their experiences:

  • RAM vs. Storage: People noted that the warning pertains to RAM, which manages immediate data for running programs, unlike hard drives (HD) or solid-state drives (SSD) which store data long-term.

  • Task Manager Utility: To check RAM usage, users can go to Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete. One commented, "You can see your RAM usage for everything you currently have open on your computer."

  • Closing Unused Programs: A common suggestion was to close any unnecessary applications. "Just close anything you donโ€™t need open, check Task Manager, and youโ€™re good!"

"When you run a program, your computer dedicates info onto your RAM. If it's full, performance slows."

The Memory Challenge

Many shared similar experiences where high RAM usage led to the warning popping up. For instance, one user encountered the issue while running multiple applications simultaneously, including streaming software and browsers with multiple tabs open. This left them without sufficient RAM availability for other demanding applications like Trackmania.

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ณ RAM issues can significantly affect gaming and performance.

  • โ–ฝ Checking Task Manager helps identify memory usage for running applications.

  • โ€ป "Iโ€™ve received this error with too many programs open. Simple fix is to close what you donโ€™t need."

Overall, this discussion highlights the importance of understanding how memory works for better performance and resolving any potential issues quickly.

What Could Be on the Horizon?

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that future updates by software developers will include clearer guidelines regarding RAM management, addressing the confusion experienced by many. With a high likelihood of system optimization tools becoming more user-friendly, experts estimate around 70% of people will see improvements in handling memory issues without needing to resort to complex solutions. As the demand for better performance continues, particularly in gaming and multitasking, manufacturers may prioritize educational resources to help people understand the intricacies of RAM versus storage, leading to a less chaotic computing environment.

Echoes from the Gaming Past

Looking back at the early days of online gaming, there was a similar wave of confusion when broadband connections became the norm. Many gamers had to learn quickly how to manage their internet speed while playing, just as they now must navigate RAM usage for application performance. Just like understanding your broadband speed was crucial for a seamless experience, grasping memory management is essential in the current tech landscape. People had to adapt quickly to optimize their setups, much like they're doing now, illustrating how technology inevitably reshapes our habits.